Top 10 New Shows of 2013 So Far

This year has had a lot of great and not so great series. I’ve compiled a list of my favorite series so far this year (January 1st to October 20th).

Runner Ups: Maron, Legit, Banshee

#10. Hello Ladies

Premiered September 29th at 10:30 on HBO – A gawky Englishman comes to Los Angeles to find the woman of his dreams – This makes my number 10 because it is one of the only new shows that make me laugh, if you enjoyed The Office or Extras you will love Hello Ladies. Currently airing Sundays at 10:30.

#9. Bates Motel

Premiered March 10th at 10:00 on A&E – A modern re-imagining and prequel to the movie Psycho This story begins with the earlier years of a teenage Norman Bates and his mother Norma who live in an old house overlooking the adjoining motel which they are renovating. The house and hotel both come with secrets of their own as does the new town which the Bates’ now call home. – This take the number 9 spot for a few reasons, acting, suspense, and it’s originality, I never find myself bored watching it. You don’t have to see Psycho to watch this series, it is completely different. Season 2 Premiers in 2014.

#8. Ray Donovan

Premiered June 30th at 10:00 on Showtime – Ray Donovan, a professional “fixer” for the rich and famous in LA, can make anyone’s problems disappear except those created by his own family. – This show is hit or miss, for me it was a hit. Liev Schreiber (X-Men, Defiance), Steven Bauer (Scarface), Jon Voight (Mission Impossible, Heat) make up some of the lead cast. The casting is brilliant. Acting is spot on. Writing is great. Direction is fantastic. Cinematography is top notch. I have little qualms with this series. Season 2 returns Summer 2014.

#7. The Bridge

Premiered July 10th at 10:00 on FX – Two detectives work together to take down a serial killer operating on both sides of the Texas-Chihuahua border. – The Bridge takes my 7th spot mainly because of it’s story and acting. It is full of twists and turns that will leave you hanging. Returns in 2014.

#6. Orange Is The New Black

Premiered July 11th on Netflix – The story of Piper Chapman (Taylor Schilling), a woman in her thirties who is sentenced to 15 months in prison after she is convicted of a decade old crime of transporting money for her drug dealing girlfriend (Laura Prepon). – Orange is The New Black has some of the greatest characters on television. Each episode has flashbacks of a certain character where you get to learn how they got to prison, behavior, etc. Season 2 returns in 2014.

#5. Broadchurch

Premiered March 4th at 9:00 on ITV – The murder of a young boy in a small coastal town brings a media frenzy, which threatens to tear the community apart. Broadchurch takes the 5th spot on the list because of the way they the writers depict the emotions of dozens of characters throughout the town in 8 episodes is truly remarkable. US remake coming in 2014. Season 2 TBD.

#4. The Americans

Premiered January 30th at 10:00 on FX – Two Soviet intelligence agents pose as a married couple to spy on the American government. – The Americans is fantastically acted by the whole cast, the cast includes Keri Russell (Mission Impossible 3, Felicity), Matthew Rhys (Brothers & Sisters), Noah Emmerich (The Truman Show), and Margo Martindale (Million Dollar Baby). The cinematography is impeccable. Season 2 returns Early 2014.

#3. Masters of Sex

Premiered September 29th at 10:00 on Showtime – Drama about the pioneers of the science of human sexuality whose research touched off the sexual revolution. – Masters of Sex has a fantastic story to delve into, with great acting by Michael Sheen (Kingdom of Heaven) and Lizzy Caplan (Cloverfield, 127 Hours). Sundays at 10:00 on Showtime.

#2. Hannibal

Premiered April 4th at 10:00 on NBC – Explores the early relationship between the renowned psychiatrist and his patient, a young FBI criminal profiler, who is haunted by his ability to empathize with serial killers. – Hannibal is brilliantly acted, directed, and written. The story is packed with different things each episode (in a good way).Returns in 2014.

#1. House of Cards

February 1st on Netflix – A Congressman works with his equally conniving wife to exact revenge on the people who betrayed him. – This takes the number one slot for many reasons. The acting is the best acting of any new show and some of the best in general. The story is fantastic. You don’t have to be into politics to watch this series. The direction and writing is top notch. Returns Early 2014.